Methodology

How we rate what we publish

GroundCurrent’s rule is simple: content can be compelling, but data must be accurate. Two separate labels appear on every project so you always know both where a project stands and how sure we are.

Evidence levels: how sure we are

Evidence levels describe the quality of the sources behind a project or a specific claim. They only move up when better evidence is found, and we record when that happened.

• ?Rumor· UnverifiedA single unofficial signal such as a social media post, anonymous tip, or job listing. Not verified. Treat as a lead, not a fact.
• Reported· Single sourceReported by one credible source such as a local newspaper or a named official, but not yet confirmed by a second independent source or an official document.
• Corroborated· Multiple sourcesConfirmed by two or more independent credible sources, or by one credible source plus supporting records.
• ✓Official· Government or company recordBacked by an official document: a government filing, permit, agenda, regulatory record, or a formal company announcement.

A rumor can never be anything other than “Possible”. A rumor is never shown in totals such as planned megawatts or documented water demand. Disputed claims are shown with both sides and are not counted as facts.

Company statements count as “Official” evidence of a company’s own intentions (for example, that it plans a 300 MW campus) but not as independent evidence of impacts (for example, that noise will be minimal).

Project stages: where it stands

• PossibleSignals suggest a data center may be planned, but no developer has announced it and no filing exists.
• ProposedA developer or official has publicly described the project, but nothing has been filed.
• FiledA formal application (rezoning, permit, utility request) has been submitted to a government body.
• ApprovedGovernment approvals needed to build have been granted.
• Under constructionSite work or building construction is underway.
• OperationalAt least part of the facility is running.
• PausedWork has stopped or the application has been withdrawn, but the project is not cancelled.
• CancelledThe project has been denied, abandoned, or formally cancelled.

Comparison figures

Comparisons such as “enough electricity for 400,000 homes” are estimates that make large numbers easier to grasp. They are always labeled as estimates and use these published assumptions:

• Electricity: planned megawatts × 80% average utilization × 8,760 hours ÷ 10.5 MWh per household per year.
• Water: gallons per day ÷ 300 gallons per household per day; Olympic pool = 660,000 gallons.
• Land: 1.32 acres per football field including end zones.

Corrections

If we got something wrong, tell us through the tip form. Corrections are recorded as timeline events so the history is visible, not overwritten.

What we do not do

• We do not alter numbers to make a story more dramatic.
• We do not publish a rumor without labeling it as one.
• We do not remove the sources behind a claim when the claim changes.